
What is the process to get a TN visa?
To receive a TN visa, you must submit the following forms and documentation:
- Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application completed and signed
- Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application by male applicants between 16-45 years of age
- A passport valid for travel to the U.S. and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
- One 2×2 photograph. ...
- Your employer in the U.S. ...
How to apply for TN visa?
- Offer letter
- Valid passport (the passport's expiration date is highly recommended to be at least 6 months longer than the fixed term work contract in the US)
- Employment supporting documentation per step 4 above
- University confirmation letter and copies of your educational degree (s) and transcript (s)
Is TN status considered resident alien?
The TN visa is a work visa, so you would be considered to be a resident alien. That being the case, complete Form W-9 for the brokerage account and state that you are NOT subject to backup withholding. Visit AtlantaTaxExpert's homepage! Not your question?
Will I get a TN visa?
To be eligible for a TN visa, you will need to show that you’re a qualified professional in one of the approved specialty occupations with a bachelor’s degree. Depending on your industry however, an alternative such as a post-secondary certificate and three years’ experience may be acceptable to show that you’re a qualified professional.

Is TN status a visa?
What is TN status? TN (Trade NAFTA) status is a nonimmigrant employment visa which allows Canadian and Mexican citizens who work in specific professional occupations to work in the United States.
What does TN mean in visa?
nonimmigrant NAFTA ProfessionalThe nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals, to work in the United States in prearranged business activities for U.S. or foreign employers.
What category is a TN visa?
nonimmigrant classificationThe TN category, a nonimmigrant classification, simply reflects this general exemption from the visa requirement. NAFTA governs which evidence is required to prove whether a Canadian or Mexican citizen is a professional in a qualifying profession.
Who qualifies for a TN visa?
For Mexican and Canadian citizens who practice certain professional occupations and have a job offer from a U.S. employer, TN status offers a simple route to obtain a U.S. nonimmigrant (temporary) work visa. TN status lasts for one year, and can be renewed in one-year increments, with no limit on renewals.
Is TN visa better than H1B?
Differences Between TN Visa and H1B Visa H1B visas are much more difficult to obtain but allow for dual intent, while TN visas do not. Also, eligibility for a TN visa is restricted to a list of approved occupations, whereas the H1B only requires that the occupation involves Bachelor degree-level skills or knowledge.
How long can you stay on a TN visa?
three yearsHow Long Does a TN Visa Last? TN visa holders have an initial stay in the U.S. of three years. After that period, TN visa holders can apply for unlimited renewals that are granted in three-year increments.
Can TN visa lead to green card?
Can TN Visa Holders in the U.S. Transition to a Green Card? One of the most common questions that TN visa workers have is whether they can move from such a visa to a green card or not. The answer for that is: yes, you can most certainly do so.
Can TN visa be converted to green card?
TN Visa to Green Card through consular processing Alternatively, TN visa holders can simply leave the U.S. and file an application for a green card from their respective home countries. This is known as consular processing. The USCIS will process the petition and issue you a priority date.
Is TN visa considered sponsorship?
So while a TN Visa does require a job offer and written support from a US employer, this is not considered formal sponsorship.
Can TN visa work full-time in USA?
Yes, Canadian citizens are allowed to work in the U.S. as long as they have a work visa. Canadian citizens have the following work visa options: TN visa for Nafta professionals. L1 visa.
How much does a TN visa cost?
Entering the U.S. On a TN Visa Canadian TN applicants must pay a $50 fee when entering the U.S, or $56 if crossing the border by car.
Can I get a TN visa without a degree?
An individual may qualify for a TN visa without a degree or diploma in three categories: Disaster relief insurance claims adjuster. Management consultant. Scientific technician.
What does TN stand for?
Tennessee (US postal abbreviation)
Is a TN visa a permanent resident?
Well, the TN visa is a non-immigrant type of visa classification that is available to the citizens of Mexico and Canada. Those who have a TN visa can work and live in the U.S. – initially for 3 years, after which you can extend the period indefinitely, regardless of how many years you plan on staying there.
What is my TN visa number?
The visa number, also called a visa foil number, is a red number that is generally printed on the bottom right side of newer visa documents. In most cases, the U.S. visa number contains eight numeric characters. In some cases, the number contains one letter followed by seven numeric characters.
Is TN visa easy to get?
When compared to the process of obtaining other work visas, such as an H-1B Visa or an L-1 Visa, it is rather easy to get a TN Visa. In fact, in many cases you can obtain a TN Visa the same day at a qualifying port of entry.
What is TN status?
TN (Trade NAFTA) status is a nonimmigrant employment visa which allows Canadian and Mexican citizens who work in specific professional occupations to work in the United States. The arrangement is open to citizens from these countries under the former North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now known as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement, which created special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What will I need to apply for TN status?
The process for applying for TN authorization for Canadian and Mexican citizens is different, but the requirements are similar. For every TN application, you will need:
Is the TN visa employer-specific? What if I want to change employers while on a TN visa?
You can only work in the U.S. for the employer named on your TN visa. If you’d like to work for someone else or change companies, you will need to re-apply for a visa
Can TN visa holders apply for a green card?
Unlike other temporary work visas, the TN visa is not a “dual-intent” visa. This means that when you enter the U.S., you’re signalling that you won’t try to permanently move to the U.S..
Did the USCMA affect the TN visa?
No . The new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) includes the same provisions for the TN visa as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Can I get a TN visa without a degree?
To be eligible for a TN visa, you will need to show that you’re a qualified professional in one of the approved specialty occupations with a bachelor’s degree. Depending on your industry however, an alternative such as a post-secondary certificate and three years’ experience may be acceptable to show that you’re a qualified professional.
Can I use I-129 for TN?
For both Canadians and Mexicans on a nonimmigrant status in the U.S., you can use Form I-129 to adjust your status to TN, or to reapply for TN for renewals or new employment.
What is TN status?
TN status is recognized in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which began in 1994. It allows U.S., Canadian and Mexican citizens the opportunity to work in each other’s countries in certain professional occupations.
How many TN visas were issued in 2009?
In US Fiscal Years 2007 through 2009, between 4,000 and 5,000 TN visas (i.e., TN-2 visas for Mexicans) were issued by US consulates each year. [3]
What is my visa source?
My Visa Source stays updated on all immigration news and announcements across Canada and the United States, including sudden changes in government law. Our legal solutions help individuals, families, businesses and investors from North America and around the globe.
What happens if a Canadian gets TN?
If the decision is to grant TN status, the Canadian immediately enters the US and begins TN employment.
How long is TN good for?
Once TN status is granted, it is good for three years, but only for the specific employer for which it was originally requested. Changing employers will require the Canadian to return to the border and start from scratch with a new application.
What is TN in the US?
TN (Trade NAFTA) status is a special non-immigrant status in the United States unique to citizens of Canada and Mexico. Beginning in 1988, individuals practicing one of the professions identified in the Canada – United States Free Trade Agreement are able to obtain TN status for legal work in the United States and Canada, creating freedom of labor movement.
Can you renew your TN status?
Renewal is possible, in theory, indefinitely, but the TN status is not a substitute for permanent residency (a green card), and the border official has the discretion to refuse further renewals if she feels the ability for indefinite renewal is being abused. How this happens in practice depends largely on the mood of the individual border official.
What is TN Visa?
The TN Visa is a U.S non-immigrant visa, so those who get it have to return to their home countries upon its expiration. It allows only citizens of Canada and Mexico, not permanent residents to work in the U.S if they find a job beforehand. The agreement specifies the types of TN visa jobs and occupations that visa holders are allowed to engage in. There are around 63 occupations for which Canadians and Mexicans qualify to work on. These include lawyers, scientists, engineers, teachers, etc. To check whether you qualify in any of the professions, visit the NAFTA website.
How long is a TN visa valid?
After you get the TN visa, it is first valid for 3 years Afterwards, there is a possibility to extend it for an additional 3 years indefinitely. This means, that as long as you are employed in the U.S and can prove ties to your home country in either Canada or Mexico, you are allowed to remain in the U.S on a TN visa.
What are the requirements for a TN visa?
The general requirements for people to qualify for the TN visa are: Applicants must be citizens of Canada or Mexico. Their occupation must be on the NAFTA list. They must have a full time or part time job offer from an employer in the U.S.
How many types of TN visas are there?
There are two types of TN visa based on nationality:
What is temporary entry in NAFTA?
Temporary entry, as defined in the NAFTA, means entry without the intent to establish permanent residence. The alien must satisfy the inspecting immigration officer that the proposed stay is temporary. A temporary period has a reasonable, finite end that does not equate to permanent residence. In order to establish that the alien’s entry will be temporary, the alien must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the inspecting immigration officer that his or her work assignment in the United States will end at a predictable time and that he or she will depart upon completion of the assignment.
Where can I show proof of citizenship?
Then at the Port of Entry in the U.S you can show proof of your citizenship and your approved Form I-129.
Is there a cap on TN visa?
And third, there are no caps to the TN visa. Whereas the H-1B visa has a cap of 65,000 people who are allowed to go to the U.S with that visa, the TN visa does not have a limit. This means that any citizen of Canada or Mexico who fulfills the requirements can get the TN visa.
What is TN visa?
The TN Visa was created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in order to facilitate temporary employment in the United States for approved Canadian and Mexican citizens. The purpose was to strengthen business and trade relations between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
How to renew TN visa?
The process of renewing or extending your TN status can be carried out by filing Form I-129H1 along with proof of the TN status holder’s education/citizenship and a letter addressing the need for the extension. At the point in which the job or TN status officially expires, individuals are required to leave the country. Unlike the H-1B grace period, TN visas do not have this leeway period.
How many professions qualify for a TN visa?
Here is a list of the 60 professions that qualify you for a TN visa:
Can a spouse work in the US with a TD visa?
The TN visa holder’s spouse and/or children under the age of 21 may be eligible for TD nonimmigrant status. This status allows dependents to enter the U.S. with the TN visa holder and be granted the same period of stay. There are some restrictions to the TD nonimmigrant status for dependents. Spouses and children are not permitted to work while in the United States, but they are permitted to study.
How to qualify for TN classification?
You may establish eligibility for TN classification at the time you seek admission to the United States by presenting required documentation to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at certain CBP-designated U.S. ports of entry or at a designated pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station. You must provide the following documentation to the CBP officer:
What form do I need to apply for TN?
In addition, when applying for admission, you should have in your possession a copy of the Form I-129, and all supporting documentation that was submitted to USCIS, to respond to questions about your eligibility. You should also be prepared to pay any applicable inspection fees at the time you seek admission. If a CBP officer finds you eligible for admission, you will be admitted as a TN nonimmigrant.
Can I file for TN on behalf of Canadian citizen?
Alternatively, a prospective TN employer may choose to file on behalf of a Canadian citizen who is outside the United States by submitting Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker to USCIS. Premium Processing Service is available.
Can dependents of TN be TD?
Dependents of TN Nonimmigrants. Any accompanying or “following to join” spouse and children under the age of 21 may be eligible for TD non immigrant status. Spouses and children are: Not permitted to work while in the United States, but they are permitted to study.
Can I apply for a TN visa as a nonimmigrant?
If USCIS approves Form I-129, you, the prospective worker, may then apply to CBP for admission to the United States as a TN nonimmigrant by providing the following documentation to a CBP Officer at certain CBP-designated U.S. ports of entry or at a designated pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station:
What is TN status?
TN status allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to come to the United States to work in certain specialty occupations. But as an employer, the process can be daunting. Who is eligible, where do you submit your application, and how much does it cost? Read on for the answers to these questions and more.
How long is a TN valid for?
TN is valid for up to 3 years at a time but is renewable indefinitely as long as the individual does not show immigrant intent
What form do I need to file for nonimmigrant status?
When submitting the application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the employer also needs to submit Form I-129 (“Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker”). This is the only case where the employer needs to submit the complete application.
What do employers need to provide for the TN application?
What application materials do employers need to provide for the TN application? In the most basic cases, the employer only needs to provide a letter of support for the employee indicating the job opportunity, the NAFTA profession, dates of employment, compensation, and other basic information.
How is TN different from traditional sponsorship?
Hiring an employee on TN is different from traditional sponsorship because it requires minimal work for the employer and there are no further obligations for the employer once TN status is granted, besides remaining compliant
Can a strong TN be rejected?
Strong TN applications are rarely rejected outright. At CBP, unsuccessful TN applications are provided the opportunity to “withdraw,” especially in circumstances where the Canadian employee applies at a pre-clearance facility and is able to stay in Canada. USCIS may often ask for a Request For Evidence (RFE) for applications that are initially not approved
